As John Schmidt toured Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday, the 81-year-old from Murrells Inlet couldn't help but wonder if his comrades from World War II would ever be buried there.
Schmidt is one of thousands of U.S. Merchant Marine veterans, who, until 20 years ago, didn't realize they could be entitled to full military benefits from the United States government.
A bill, currently before Congress, called the "Belated Thank You to The Merchant Mariners of World War II," would pay the veterans (or their spouses if the veteran is deceased) up to $1,000 a month for their service in World War II.
"We went into various battle areas, and war zones, as civilians," said Schmidt. "We did our part and if it wasn't for our supplies having gotten there, those boys would have died," he said.
Schmidt said he is encouraged that so many young people and other veterans ask him about his service, and what it meant for the war effort.
"It's marvelous the youth from our country can come here (to Arlington) and experience, and witness it, and understand the history of our country," he said.
You can hear more of Schmidt's story in exclusive coverage Tuesday night on News13.
Count on more coverage right here on scnow.com as well.
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